Victoria English Country Dance Society

Fragrance-Free Events

We invite your help in ensuring a
dance event can be enjoyed by everyone. To create a safe, healthy
and pleasurable dance environment we ask that you refrain from wearing
any scented products when attending a fragrance-free event. If you are
chemically sensitive, please understand that we strive to facilitate a
fragrance-free event.

Chemical sensitivity is a health
issue for some members of our dance community, not simply a personal
preference. It can be compared to the
issue of second-hand smoke, and is as serious. Some people cannot
tolerate even
small amounts of chemicals found in common products like dandruff
shampoo, after-shave lotion and hair spray. These chemicals can act as
respiratory irritants, as cardiac stimulants (skyrocketing blood
pressure and triggering palpitations) and as neurotoxins (blurring
vision and
upsetting balance cues). Exposure to even small amounts can cause these
symptoms, and they can be especially dangerous while dancing.

Our events offer a special
challenge because many of us like to "spruce up" with colognes,
perfumes, hair sprays, and after shaves.
Fancy clothes come out of storage smelling of mothballs. Costumes are
sent to the
cleaners. Please be aware of the issue and check your products for
fragrance. If you suffer from chemical sensitivity, please come
prepared to protect yourself
against exposure.